Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 549 'Mount Tai Storm' Rocket Vehicle, Base Air Defense Radar Station

After disembarking from the plane, Fang Wen and his party boarded a shuttle bus to the live-fire test site.

Gong Xiuneng was the last to get into the car. A staff member jogged over and said, "Assistant Gong, these are the documents the general manager asked us to prepare. There are two copies, and they are for the military representatives."

After receiving the documents, Gong Xiuneng got into the car, explained them to Fang Wen, and then handed them to the two military representatives.

As the two were about to flip through the files, Fang Wen spoke up, "The data booklet contains various data introductions for the new weapon, including ballistic data and operating procedures. We've named this rocket artillery system 'Mount Tai Storm,' and it consists of an ammunition transport vehicle and a launch vehicle, forming a combat unit. Depending on the wartime situation, the launch vehicle can also carry the ammunition and conduct mobile launch missions independently."

As they were talking, the shuttle bus arrived at the live-fire test site, and Fang Wen led the military representatives to the launch site to see the actual equipment.

The two military representatives stood there, their eyes fixed on the equipment.

A military vehicle loaded with ammunition; this is quite common.

There was also a launch and delivery vehicle, a type of military equipment I had never seen before.

With Fang Wen's explanation, they understood that the scene they saw in the air was projected from that rectangular device that could be adjusted up and down.

There are four launch tubes on each of the two rows of grilles, meaning that eight rockets can be launched at once.

The Eighth Route Army military representative exclaimed in amazement: "In other words, this one vehicle, with a single salvo, can achieve the effect of eight mountain guns firing simultaneously!"

Fang Wen nodded: "This is just an experimental model. In reality, it's a salvo of 16 rockets launched from the same target. As long as the aiming data is accurate, the impact effect will be better than that of 16 mountain guns."

Both military representatives were veterans of the battlefield and understood the effects of such weapons in warfare.

Its greatest advantage is its dense firepower.

But what are its drawbacks?

The New Fourth Army military representative asked, "How much does one rocket cost?"

This is the biggest drawback of the new weapon.

Fang Wen replied, "The cost of a 132mm caliber rocket is $800."

$800 for a single rocket is indeed too expensive.

But this is also the price of the most advanced long-range weapons of the current era.

To help the two military representatives understand the current market prices for artillery shells on the international arms market, Fang Wen also mentioned the prices of other types of artillery shells.

The Nationalist government purchased German sFH18 150mm howitzers, with each shell costing $260.

Soviet 115mm howitzer shell, $60.

The Soviet M1938 152mm howitzer shell was priced at $170.

而就连中正式 75毫米山炮炮弹，也要每枚150-200法币，相当于45-60美元。

It can be said that artillery shells for the army are not cheap, hence the saying: "When the cannons roar, gold is worth a fortune."

After listening to Fang Wen's explanation, the Eighth Route Army military representative sighed, "The weapons are good, but they are too expensive. We probably can't afford them."

Fang Wen replied, "The $800 is mainly because the ammunition we purchased from the Soviet Union has not yet been produced domestically. If we produce it ourselves, the cost will be much lower."

Their eyes lit up. "How low can it go?"

Fang Wen's thoughts were racing.

He was estimating the cost of his production.

The arms trade was actually very profitable; the Soviets sold arms for $800, but the actual cost was no more than $200.

The costs in the Soviet Union were different from those in China.

Fang Wen believes that production in China can keep costs down to $150.

With large-scale production, the cost will be even lower; Fang Wen expects the cost to be reduced to $100-110.

That cost is outrageous!

However, there is a major problem: there are not enough skilled workers to produce rockets.

His purpose in inviting the two military representatives to observe was for this very reason.

He then said, "I've done a production estimate. If we produce them ourselves, I can provide $120 per rocket, but there's a problem I need your help to solve."

"120 USD!"

The two military representatives exclaimed in surprise.

Having seen Fang Wen's previous description of the prices of other artillery shells, this price seems ridiculously cheap!

This price is equivalent to half the price of the best 150mm howitzer shells for the National Army.

A long-range artillery barrage like the one we just saw, covering the entire hilltop, would require 10 rounds from a 150mm howitzer, but this thing can take it all out with just one salvo.

The price-performance ratio is incredible!
No one can refuse such good terms.

"What problem do you need to solve?" the New Fourth Army military representative asked.

Fang Wen stated his requirements: "I have just ordered a batch of precision machining equipment from abroad, and also purchased a large amount of aluminum alloy and steel. There is no shortage of materials and equipment, but there is a shortage of manpower to operate the equipment. Therefore, I want to recruit a group of skilled workers from the base for production."

"What are the requirements?"

"Being literate is definitely necessary so that you can understand the blueprints and communicate with the engineers."

"Is literacy the only requirement?"

The two military representatives found it unbelievable.

The requirements for workers in Kuomintang military factories were very high, so why did Taishan Military Industry only require literacy?

Fang Wen offered an explanation for this.

“Since we started manufacturing aircraft, Taishan Military Industry has been exploring efficient production models. Over the years, we have developed a modular assembly line production process. The process that an individual worker needs to master is not complicated. As long as the required specifications are met and the operation is repeated, that is enough. As for the production of rockets, I can divide the production into hundreds of engineering teams, assemble these parts, and finally produce the finished product.”

His explanation, though seemingly simple, would require multiple modeling operations by computers and a large number of engineers to realize the entire process in the future.

The reason why such complex processes can be made in this era is mainly due to the mechanical perception ability to deconstruct mechanical creations.

It was through deconstruction that Soviet-made rockets could be redesigned without affecting their operational functions.

This also made it possible to have the skilled workers needed for large-scale production.

After discussing it, the two military representatives replied, "We have no authority to make this decision; we need to report it to our superiors."

Fang Wen smiled and said, "Okay, then let's go back first and send a message using the base's radio."

The radio waves were transmitted back to China.

The content concerns the integrated launcher of the 'Taishan Storm' rocket and the large-scale recruitment of workers from the base area.

As stated in the telegram.

The 'Taishan Storm' rocket launcher fires 16 rockets at a time. After being launched at a certain dispersion angle, the area covered by the rockets is elliptical, with a major axis of about 200-300 meters and a minor axis of about 100-150 meters. The total area can reach 2-4 square meters (about the size of 3-6 standard football fields).

Commanders from both sides' military headquarters conducted extensive discussions on this new type of weapon.

Based on their years of combat experience, it seems to them...

This wide-area coverage capability far exceeds that of traditional artillery; the most powerful 150mm howitzer today can only cover tens of square meters with a single shot.

In other words, the deterrent and attack effect of 16 rounds of 150mm howitzer is no stronger than that of 'Taishan Storm'.

Moreover, this is a flexible strategic weapon mounted on a mobile military vehicle, capable of launching attacks from different locations.

It is equivalent to a mobile deterrent weapon platform integrating 16 150mm howitzers.

Furthermore, because it targets a single target, it is easier to move and hide than a 150mm howitzer, thus increasing its tactical and strategic value.

Such high-quality weapons were sold by the Soviet Union for $800 each, which was actually not expensive.

After all, in the current military field, there is no weapon that can achieve this combat effect.

Therefore, the first result of their discussion was to purchase Taishan Military Industry's stockpile of rockets and integrated launch platforms.

As for the recruitment, of course, I agreed to it entirely.

March 10th. Fang Wen received a reply.

The telegram was sent from Yan'an.

Fang Wen read the telegram and smiled.

[It is agreed that Taishan Military Industry will recruit workers in Yan'an and the base areas of the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army, and that Taishan Military Industry will fully cooperate with the recruitment process.]

Regarding the "Taishan Storm" project, we intend to purchase all of Taishan Military Industry's existing inventory. Is it possible to include shipping in the procurement?

Both matters will be coordinated and followed up by Bai Yunfei; you can contact him.

It seems things have been settled.

Fang Wen sent a telegram to Bai Yunfei to conduct real-time telegram negotiations.

[Yunfei, we currently have 760 132mm rockets in stock, all prototypes and not yet modified. The integrated rocket launcher vehicle is also under production, and we expect to be able to supply three this month. I can offer them to you at cost price: 800 rockets and 2000 launcher vehicles.]

[General Manager Fang, your offer is too low. Our superiors have said that the Party doesn't want to take advantage of patriotic businessmen; a necessary profit is required.]

During the telegram communication, a dispute arose during the quotation stage.

The final price was set at a profit margin of 2%.

Then came the negotiations on delivery.

Fang Wen stated that the integrated rocket launcher military vehicle could be transported back to China by air, along with the rockets, as spare parts.

This method solves the transportation problem, allowing the goods to be unloaded at the destination and then assembled by Taishan engineers for use in actual combat.

As for where to transport it, should the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army each receive a portion? Or should one side be given enough first?
It hasn't been decided yet.

However, operating a rocket launcher vehicle requires experienced soldiers.

Therefore, the third stage of the negotiations involved training for rocket force operators.

In response, the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army each selected 50 people to come to the northern Burma base for training, with Yan Huaixun, an artillery instructor from Taishan Military Industry, in charge of the training.

The plane that picks them up can also take the recruiters from Taishan Military Industry and the graduating air force personnel to the base. Once a certain number of recruits have been gathered, they can be transported by plane to the base in northern Myanmar for pre-job skills training.

Incidentally, radar early warning equipment can also be transported to the base area for installation.

The completion of negotiations with Bai Yunfei signifies that Taishan Military Industry will enter a phase of rapid expansion.

Therefore, Fang Wen began to arrange and organize various matters.

The conversion of rockets into incendiary versions has not yet been initiated.

However, the integrated launch vehicle has begun to be manufactured.

Because this was a long-term project, Fang Wen established a military vehicle factory.

The engineers at the military vehicle factory were drawn from the No. 1 and No. 2 aircraft manufacturing plants and the engine manufacturing plant.

Their job is to produce integrated launch vehicles and other Taishan military vehicles.

After arranging production at the military vehicle factory, Fang Wen began working on recruitment and taking in rocket soldiers.

In order to recruit a large number of skilled workers, he summoned all the employees of the Taishan Aviation Administration Department and asked them to divide into two working groups to go to the anti-Japanese base areas in the north and south to carry out recruitment work.

The recruitment team heading north was headed by Fang Shouxin, the Minister of Administration.

The recruitment team heading south was headed by Shen Weitao, the head of the Internal Investigation Section of the Administration Department.

After arranging the personnel, Fang Wen organized a flight transport team to fly back to China.

The first flight's destination was Yan'an and the Jin-Cha-Ji base area in the Taihang Mountains.

3 month 15 day.

A flight formation consisting of 6 seaplanes and 4 gunboats took off and headed towards China.

Four of these gunboats were sent to the Jin-Cha-Ji base area to make up for the gunboats lost in the previous war.

Inside these aircraft cabins were recruiters, current Eighth Route Army aviation cadets, and air defense early warning radar components.

The plane flew north along the southwest route, passing through Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan, crossing Hanzhong and the Qinling Mountains, and entering the airspace of the Yan'an base area.

A group of aircraft reported back to the radar detection system.

However, the flight path was away from Yan'an.

Fang Wen looked down at Yan'an Airport and found that all the fighter jets were gone.

Meanwhile, the airport runway was full of potholes, and soldiers were carrying soil and filling in the gaps to make repairs.

He picked up the microphone: "Taishan Transport Team is calling the ground, requesting a landing."

A moment later, a response came from the ground: "You are cleared to land. However, the main runway has been bombed and is under repair. There is only one backup runway available for landing. You will need to land in stages. Please stay in contact."

"Ok."

Fang Wen ended the call, switched internal frequencies, and directed the flight formation to land in sequence.

Under his command, the plane landed smoothly on the backup runway, then taxied to the parking area, making the runway available for the next aircraft.

And so, one after another, the amphibious aircraft landed safely on the ground, with Fang Wen's last aircraft landing.

Shortly after he landed, planes from the Yan'an Air Force also flew back.

When the pilots of the air force saw Fang Wen arrive, they all came over.

Captain Qi Baoqian said eagerly, "Commander, you've finally come to Yan'an again. We've all missed you."

Fang Wen smiled and shook hands with all the pilots, then asked, "What's going on with the runway?"

Rao Minghe interrupted, saying, "The Japanese suddenly launched an air raid, and we immediately took off to intercept them, shooting down two planes, but they still managed to drop their bombs on the airport runway."

"Not bad, you shot down two more. Whose credit is that?"

"I shot down one on my own," Fan Bosheng replied proudly. He used to be the worst-performing elite pilot, but now he is rapidly improving.

Fang Wen patted Fan Bosheng on the shoulder forcefully to acknowledge his achievements.

He then said, "I brought a device with me. With it, we can provide early warnings before Japanese air raids, so you won't be in such a passive position."

"Really? Commander, please tell me quickly, what is it?" Qi Baoqian asked eagerly, and the other pilots were also very curious.

"They're all on the plane, but we'll have to wait while I determine their installation location before I can arrange for installation."

Just then, a military officer arrived outside the airport.

He was in charge of the radar station.

After speaking with him, Fang Wen decided to build the radar station on the west side of the airport.

Immediately afterwards, a large group of soldiers entered the airport and, under the guidance of the installation engineers, removed the parts from the aircraft and carried them to an open area on the west side of the airport.

The pilots of the Yan'an Air Force watched with curiosity, following Fang Wen.

Engineers and installers got to work, setting down the four support legs and then assembling the machine based on them.

Prefabricated steel frames were assembled into a support structure using screws, forming an iron tower. Subsequently, large radar transmitters and receivers were installed on top.

We worked from noon until night, and the project wasn't finished. We continued working on it the next day, and finally it was done.

Subsequently, two aviation radar operators who had returned from studying at the Yangon Aviation School operated the connected equipment, demonstrating this new piece of equipment from Taishan Military Industry to their comrades in Yan'an.

Yan'an was just the first air defense radar station. Fang Wen planned to take advantage of this trip to build another radar station in Fuping County, in the Taihang Mountains.

Although it is not a weapon that causes direct damage, it can provide more effective air defense early warning measures, making Japanese air raids less unpredictable.

That way, the gunboats and aircraft could better counter the harassment by Japanese warplanes.

It also allows the limited air defense firepower of the base to play its due role.

(End of this chapter)